Carol Gilmore

Carol Gilmore, age 81, of South Fayette, formally of McKeesport, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, July 1, 2018.  Born in Chicago, IL on December 25, 1936 she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Joan Kozak Smacker. Carol was survived by one day by her beloved husband, Donald “Ducky” Gilmore; children; Raymond (Cathie) Gilmore of Pittsburgh, Gary Gilmore of Dallas, TX, Beth Gilmore Jones of Upper St. Clair, Donald (Kelly) Gilmore of South Fayette. Also survived by grandchildren; Kathryn and Christopher Jones, Olivia and Luke Gilmore, Katelyn, Raymond, Charlotte and Thomas Gilmore, and great-granddaughter; Milana Gilmore. She was preceded in death by grandson; Zachary Jones and half-brother; Donald Kitchen. Carol’s working years started at the early age of 15 at Balsamo’s Foods and she retired at 73 after working as the secretary for McKeesport mayors’ Lou Washowich, Joe Bendel, and Jim Brewster.  Carol enjoyed the political life and supported her bosses enthusiastically.  Carol loved her hometown, always looking for ways to beautify the city.    She was a very devoted mother and grandmother and maintained lifelong bonds with many friends.  Carol was always a free spirit and fun lover who had a zest for gardening, rock music, cooking and her family’s activities.  As a young lady she worked for the K-Mart camera dept. and became an excellent photographer with kids being her favorite subject.   Family and friends will be received at Striffler’s of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA (412-678-6177), on Friday July 6, 2018 from 3-9 pm. Mass will be held Saturday July 7, 2018 at St. Angela Merici Church, 1640 Fawcett Ave., White Oak, PA 15131, at 10 am. Burial will follow at New St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.